Nvidia releases Shield TV v7.1 update & mobile companion app

The latest software update (version 7.1) includes support for keyboard and mouse in Geforce Now as well as a 120Hz display mode. Nvidia has also released a mobile companion app.

The 20th software update

Nvidia Shield TV was announced over three years ago in March 2015. The company says that this is the 20th software update since launch.

- “When we launched SHIELD TV, we made a promise to support your device with frequent and meaningful updates,” said Nvidia. “Today, we released the 20th software upgrade since we launched way back in 2015, SHIELD Software Experience Upgrade 7.1. Our latest update brings a host of new features, improvements and the return of one community favorite.”

The update includes keyboard and mouse support for Geforce Now, the company’s cloud gaming service. It also includes in-game chat.

Nvidia Shield now has a 120Hz display mode for supported TVs and monitors. How the 120Hz mode works was not further detailed. In addition, Nvidia is bringing back sharing features with Twitch integration.

Additionally, Nvidia is launching a mobile companion app with a virtual mouse and keyboard for faster text input when logging in to games and services. The ‘Nvidia Shield TV’ app is available on iOS and Android. It requires that your Shield TV is running the latest software (version 7.1).

Refreshed & upgraded apps

The company also highlighted a few apps there were recently updated on Android TV. Netflix now has a new sidebar menu, and Google Assistant supports two languages at the same time.

YouTube has gained voice enabled playback controls, and Amazon Prime Video now supports the X-Ray for information about the movie including cast.

In May 2018, Nvidia started rolling out the Android Oreo update that introduced an entirely new user interface. Nvidia Shield TV has been positioned as a media player and game console in one but the app library is not nearly as comprehensive as on Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku. Shield is also less powerful than PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The company is currently trying to push its Geforce Now cloud gaming service as a way to play PC games on the TV.

Software version 7.1 is available now as a free update for the 2015 and 2017 Nvidia Shield TV boxes. The mobile app is also available to download.

Nvidia Shield Experience Upgrade 7.1

Try the GeForce NOW Free Beta on SHIELD TodayTransform your TV into a PC gaming machine with the GeForce NOW free beta. Access free games like Fortnite plus over 225 titles supported from digital stores like Steam, Uplay, and Epic.

New GeForce NOW features:In-Game ChatPlug a headset into the SHIELD controller to chat with your teammates during gameplay.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Mobile AppLog in to your favorite GeForce NOW games on SHIELD even faster with instant access to a virtual mouse and keyboard. Download on your iOS or Android phone.

Keyboard and Mouse SupportYou can now play keyboard & mouse games on your TV with GeForce NOW thanks to new optimizations for mouse movements as well as support for new keyboard shortcuts.

Upgraded Apps:Talk to Your Google Assistant in Multiple LanguagesYou can now speak two languages interchangeably with the Assistant on SHIELD. Add a language in Assistant Settings (under Preferences) on your phone.

Netflix Unveils a New TV DesignA new sidebar has started to roll out that makes it easier to search and view new content, search within separate Movies and Series categories, and get quick access to your saved shows in My List.

YouTube Gets an UpgradeWith Google Assistant, you can now control playback with your voice. Try saying, “fast forward 30 seconds” or “play next video”. Enable your personalized channel called Recommendations.

X-Ray Comes to Prime Video on SHIELD TVPress select during playback to get real time information about the movie including cast, characters, directors, music, or trivia.